Episode One: Wake Up
"Wake Up Time" by Tom Petty
A light south wind blew.
"One year; has it really been that long?" asked Anemone as she lay on a white picnic sheet, her head resting on Dominic's lap.
"It's hard to believe," replied Dominic, running his hands through her hair.
Anemone wore her black pilot bodysuit while Dominic wore his black U.F.F. uniform; the Gekkostate logo now embroidered on their shoulder sleeves with "M.C.A." taking the place of "Gekkostate".
"It's been nice seeing the others again," remarked Anemone, staring into Dominic's eyes, "I'm kind of surprised Renton and Eureka aren't back yet."
"Yeah, I wonder how those two are doing?" smiled Dominic, before looking skyward.
Just offshore of the barren island on which they rested floated the grand red vessel Super Izumo. The island was a couple hundred yards long but only half that in width.
"They can't be any worse off than we were," supposed Anemone, "Though with Renton by her side, I have to worry more for Eureka."
Dominic chuckled. Anemone stretched herself out as Gulliver, lying to her right, rolled onto his back and followed suit. Around them sat various picnic items and uneaten food.
"So, you sure you want to go through with this?" inquired Dominic.
"Yes," confirmed Anemone, "We had our fun and I finally got to experience a normal life... well, mostly; but there's still so much I have to atone for."
Floating opposite the Super Izumo, on the other side of the island, were the remains of the U.F.F. flagship Ginga. A large extraction hole, the product of a salvage team, dominated the skyward face of the rusting hulk.
"And just what do you have to atone for?" questioned Dominic, rubbing Gulliver's stomach.
"Remember what Jürgens quoted Holland?" reminded Anemone, "About shouldering the burdens Dewey left and atoning for what he did? I was part of Dewey's plan and I have my own shame to bear. I'm not going to allow anyone to shoulder what is rightfully mine."
South of the couple stood a yellow-orange Terminus typeR606. It knelt in a reverent manner next to the hollowed-shell of the Nirvash typeTheEND. The burnt silver pillars of metal stood in silent tribute to the events of a year prior.
"Quite mature of you," sighed Dominic, "But off all those things, shame is not one of them."
"Regardless, I don't want to live in a world that hates me for what other's made me become," emphasized Anemone in a harsher tone, "I have nothing to prove to anyone but I won't let others continue to judge me for my past."
The area they resided in was a gigantic cavity below the Tian Shan Mountain range with a massive circular opening above them. The titanic cavern extended out in all directions as did the vast subterranean ocean while forces unknown illuminated the blue sky of the interior ceiling.
"Your judgment is also mine," acknowledged Dominic, "Everything you did was made possible by my blind obedience to Dewey; and even if my only sin was to love you, then I would still gladly bear it."
The two exchanged a tender kiss.
"It's still hard to believe the Federation fractured like it did," remarked Dominic, "With the lackluster response from Jürgens' military broadcast, I didn't think the civilian population would accept my broadcast any better; and Dewey's response didn't make things any easier."
"With how Dewey spun things around, you'd think they'd deify the man in death," supposed Anemone, "But your broadcast became the foundation for the Confederation; and Dewey has become a shameful footnote, even within the Federation. In the end, you made the lasting impression. Which reminds me; did you really defect and become a member of Gekkostate?"
"Technically... yes," admitted Dominic, turning red, "But with the formation of Moonlight, it's become more a mute point."
"Sure, take the easy way out," teased Anemone, "You bad little boy!"
She then leaned up and kissed the tip of his nose, "But I like a man who's willing to take risks."
Dominic chuckled, "I do what I have to; makes me wonder what Holland will have me do once we're assigned, though I bet it will still focus around you."
"Like that's worth anything," huffed Anemone with a snort, sitting up, "Without my angel I'm even less than those cookie-cutter pilots the Federation keeps pumping out. I'm not sure if I'll be good at piloting anything else. Everything I was trained for was focused towards TheEND."
"You've done fine these past couple days," smiled Dominic, "And you're certainly better qualified to fly the 303 than anyone I know; even Holland. You should be able to exploit its zenith capabilities without the use of medication and since Holland's been working on the prototypeT, you'll have no competition."
"That has been a nice change," agreed Anemone, picking Gulliver up and setting him on her left shoulder, "I'm so done being a slave to a needle. Guess now the Devilfish is the closest thing I'll ever get to my angel; but with no anti-bodies or arch-rivals to fight, all replaced by scared simpletons who can't accept reality, it seems everything we're doing is for not. I mean, what's the point?"
"Is it still worth it to create a world where you can live anywhere without fear?" challenged Dominic.
"I hope so," Anemone sighed, stand up, "I really truly do."
Dominic followed suit and gazed once more into the sky, "Looks like the trapars are picking up; Jürgens will want to leave soon."
Above them, visible colorful trapar waves were beginning to crest.
"I want to say goodbye really quick before we go," informed Anemone, with Gulliver in tow.
"Go ahead, I'll pack up here," acknowledged Dominic with a smile.
While he began collecting the assorted items from their picnic lunch, Anemone slowly made her way towards the hallowed remains of TheEND. Her soon vacant stare hid the flood of conflicting emotions and memories that ran through her mind. Gulliver sensed this unease and cooed lovingly, trying to raise her spirits. Anemone rubbed her head against him and smiled. When she reached the shadow of the pillars, she sat down with her arms around her raised knees and faced the subterranean ocean as Dominic carried their picnic lunch back to the typeR606.
"What do you think?" thought Anemone out loud, "Will I be able to pilot the Devilfish well enough to impress Holland? Will I have a purpose again? So much has changed since that day you left; and yet, so much has remained. You were always there for me, to give your all, even when I couldn't. You gave me so much... then sacrificed yourself for me. Why? Why did you have to lose your life over someone like me? I could never have imagined what would transpire that day I boarded you that last time. I thought all hope was lost for me. I thought my life was over. I even imagined what it would be like to start anew; but you knew, didn't you? Somehow, you knew there was more for me; and when I was too blind by fear to do take action you helped me discover what I really wanted in life... what I truly needed. Not a day goes by I don't think of you and what you did. You were my first friend, a true friend, my only friend; you were my guardian angel."
Tears now flowed down her cheeks, "You opened yourself to me when I was ignorant to whom you were. You watched over me when no one else would or could. You knew what I was and yet... and yet you still accepted me for who I was, for what I am. If you really were anything like the typeZERO, I can only say I'm sorry. I'm sorry I failed you. I'm sorry your life was wasted because of me. I'm sorry I couldn't help you become something more. I'm sorry I wasn't good enough for you... I was just a cheap replica of someone truly special... and still am. I've tried to live a normal life but I can't. I can only take so much of this world. There's too much hate. I'm just too different to ever be normal, not in this world, not in any world... All I can do now is move forward, or so I'm told; but I'm scared. I'm scared of being alone again. I'm scared I'm not good enough. I'm scared I'll just fail again. I'm scared of losing the man I love. I-I'm just... so... scared."
Anemone buried her head in her knees and wept openly. Gulliver tried to soothe her again but her pain was too much. Rolling off her shoulder and onto the ground, he leaned against her and sighed.
"Fear is our most primal emotion," began Dominic, kneeling beside her, "And to confront it seems impossible; but you can, and you don't have to alone. What you endure in life is meaningless unless you use it to move forward; that's what the war taught me. Living to make your dreams reality is the core of humanity; that's what Dewey taught me. Making the right choices is often never easy, but you still have to make them; that's what Jürgens taught me. Making a stand for what you believe in is always worth the price; that's what Holland taught me. Who you are is always your choice; that's what Renton taught me. To dream the impossible dream when all hope is lost is more powerful than any reality you might live; that's what Anemone taught me."
More tears streamed down Anemone's face as Dominic cradled her lovingly, "I could not have known what would happen that day I heard you were going into the core but I found myself motivated by more than just simple infatuation. It was the most irrational reckless suicidal decision I had ever made, but it was the only choice. We will never know how things might have been and we can only deal with what is. It's not much but that's life. Why I chose to fall in love with a girl who seemed to hate everything I was and stood for I'll never know; but in the end, that really doesn't matter. In the end, she needed someone like me and I someone like her. And I have yet to look back."
"I-I'm so sorry, Dominic," sniffled Anemone with some effort, "I'm-I'm not good enough for you. I-I'm not good enough for anyone…"
"Neither am I for you," rebuffed Dominic, "But I wasn't looking for perfection, I was looking for completion; and I found that in you."
"Then, you must be... an idiot," giggled Anemone through her sniffles as her tears slowly waned, "But then again... so am I. Guess that's why we go so well together, huh?"
"Renton would completely agree with you about me," smiled Dominic, "But I can live with that, if it means being with you."
The two exchanged a lengthy passionate kiss, after which they stood back up, with Gulliver now atop Dominic's right shoulder.
"Apparently I still have a lot of emotional issues to deal with," admitted Anemone, "They really get annoying sometimes. I'd hoped I'd be done with them by now since I stopped taking that damn serum, but I'm still glad we came here today. I really needed it."
"Sadly, I think your instability is an unavoidable byproduct of the injections," remarked Dominic, his arms around her waist, "The most likely reason is withdrawals; but for your credit, you've made remarkable progress. Regardless of what it is or how long it takes, we will get through this; together."
"I hope so," sighed Anemone, wrapping her hands around his, "But I know my chances are better when I have you to be there with me."
"Always and forever," smiled Dominic.
"So, shall we head back to the Izumo?" inquired Anemone after a reflective pause.
"Yeah, Jürgens doesn't like waiting for me," chuckled Dominic, "Though he might make an exception for you, he'll leave me in a heartbeat given half-a-chance."
"So that's why you keep me around," teased Anemone as they slowly walked back, "Oh well, at least I'm good for something, right?"
Dominic squeezed her hand and smiled. As they neared the typeR606, Gulliver began to squirm about nervously. The two of them looked at him, then each other, in confusion. Suddenly, from over the top of the island sailed a refboarder, yipping and hollering. Clothed in blue and gray long board shorts, matching shoes, a white tank top under a blue and white unbuttoned flower-pattern shirt, black digit-less gloves, and metallic blue-framed face-fitting sunglasses, the tall dark blue-haired suntanned male wore a large black and gray backpack and rode an extremely long blue and silver refboard with a rounded nose and swallow-style tail. He seemed blissfully unaware of his surroundings as he listened to a portable music player, via small white headphones, which rested inside his backpack.
Riding past Dominic and Anemone, he proceeded to do tricks not intended for boards of such length. Only after banking right around the hallowed remains of TheEND did the young man notice the fully functional typeR606 beside it. Slowing his speed to observe the unexpected L.F.O., the man then spotted its pilots. A startled confused look soon gave way to a nod and a wave. He then changed course and approached them. Unwilling to take any chances, Dominic quickly placed himself in front of Anemone and drew his pistol. Anemone clung close to him, unsure what to expect. When the refboarder saw Dominic's response, he removed his headphones, grounded his refboard, jumped off, and put his hands in the air. Only a few meters now stood between the three.
"This is restricted property of the United Feder-err, the Moonlight Confederation!" announced Dominic with some effort, "Identify yourself!"
"Strewth, mate, I ain't here for a blue," replied the figure in a unique accent and dialect.
"I said identify yourself!" demanded Dominic again.
"My name is Marcus T. Lindemann," begrudgingly answered the young man, "I am a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. I am a non-combative civilian and entitled to the full rights, protections, and due processes of the Geneva Conventions."
"Dominic; isn't this a bit much?" questioned Anemone, "And where is... Australia anyway?"
"With the kind of enemies you have? No..." replied Dominic sharply, "As for his country of origin, never heard of it. Hey! What's your purpose in coming here? How did you find this location?"
"What do you think, mate?" replied Marcus, tapping the refboard with his foot.
"Seriously, Dominic, you can put the gun down now," implored Anemone, "You're making us look like an ass. If he wanted to pull something he would have done it by now."
Dominic sighed before slowly lowering the pistol, "Fine..."
"Squizz, I don't know what's gotten your grundies in a bunch but I can assure you I'm not here to cause you or the miss any trouble," emphasized Marcus, "Didn't realize anyone knew about this place to be frank. Mind if I come over? This is a little far to be chattin' now, isn't it?"
"Slowly," agreed Dominic, keeping his pistol in hand.
"Bloody 'ell," Marcus mumbled as he lowered his hands and picked up his refboard.
The three slowly moved closer to each other.
"You want to explain to me again what a lone refboarder is doing down here?" asked Dominic once they got within feet of each other, "This is not an easy place to find."
"And can I ask why two young kids in uniforms with a queer lil' critter are doin' down here as well?" rebuffed Marcus, "Seriously, isn't she a bit young to be servin' her country?"
"That is none of your concern," growled Dominic, "And besides, you don't look more than a year older than me."
"Figure of speech, mate," chuckled Marcus, "Squizz, I'm really sorry. I didn't know anyone had a claim to this little spot, seeing as how it's beyond the black stump. As to why I'm here, call it nostalgia. I remember waking up here one day about a... crikey, has it really been a year already?"
Dominic and Anemone looked at each other in confusion.
"Tell me again, what is your country of origin?" requested Dominic.
"Didn't you hear me last tick?" rebutted Marcus, "Where do you think Aussies come from, mate? Ever hear of the Land Down-Under?"
"Frankly, no I haven't," replied Dominic harshly, "And that more sounds like a bad pun right now."
"Fair suck of the sav; not you, too!" sighed Marcus, shaking his head, "Well, that'd be right. Just par for the course, I guess. Right then, since you seem not to believe me, where do you think I'm from?"
"That depends," replied Dominic, "You ever been to Warsaw?"
"Warsaw?" repeated Marcus, "Nope, 'fraid I've never been to Europe; though I have blood runnin' up there. You from those parts?"
"Do you take me for a fool?" asked Dominic spitefully.
"I'm tryin' not to but I do find your lack of faith in a bloke a bit disturbin'," sassed Marcus, "Especially with that shooter on ya. A bit much, don't ya think?"
"Not really," replied Dominic.
"So what's it's gonna be?" asked Marcus, "We can stand 'ere all day and jabber or we can figure a way for me to prove who I am and where I come from."
"Okay, can I see your eyes really quick?" smiled Anemone, stepping around Dominic.
"A bit bright to be loosin' the sunnies, ain't it love?" asked Marcus.
"Got something to hide?" countered Anemone, "It's not like we can see the sun down here."
"Heh, let it never be said that ol' Marcus ever had somethin' to hide," chuckled Marcus, lifting his sunglasses to the top of his head, "Still don't see what this'll prove but anything for the ladies, right?"
Dominic and Anemone gasped when they saw his eyes, leaving Marcus quite dumbfounded and a bit self-conscious.
"His eyes; they're just like-like..." stuttered Dominic.
"...like mine," finished Anemone, her hands quivering in fear.
Marcus just stared at them, unsure whether to be embarrassed or upset, "What? Can't an Aussie have green eyes?"
When they did not respond, he decided to get a good look at Anemone's eyes. When he finally got them in focus, he stepped back in shock.
"Wait a tick; but that can't be..." gasped Marcus.
Suddenly, a splitting headache overcame him, sending him to his knees, crying out in pain. Hunched over with his hands cradling his head, his eyes bulged as deeply buried memories began to randomly flash in his mind. Dominic and Anemone were unsure what was going on.
"Mum, pops, sis!" yelled Marcus abruptly, "Get behind me!"
Dropping all his stuff, Marcus jumped up and began a mad dash towards the water, seemingly terrified of an unseen foe. Dominic and Anemone quickly followed. Marcus tripped on a dip and fell face first into the water. Brought back to reality, Marcus raised himself up on all fours and took a moment to catch his breath. After wiping his face, he noted his sunglasses as missing and found them in the water. When he reached down for them, he saw his reflection and took a good hard look at his eyes. Shaking violently from the sight, he jolted backwards, slipped, and knocked himself out.